Gum care is the check, cleaning and follow-up that treats gum disease, from early gingivitis to periodontitis where the bone around the teeth is affected. Gum disease rarely hurts until it is advanced, so bleeding when you brush is the sign to act on.
When you might need this
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss, even a little.
- Gums look red or puffy, or feel tender along the edge of the teeth.
- Bad breath or a bad taste that brushing does not fix.
- Teeth look longer because the gums have pulled back from them.
- A tooth feels loose, or a hygienist has told you your gums need attention.
What happens
Gum check
Dr. Malik measures the space between each tooth and gum with a small probe and takes X-rays to see the bone. This shows whether you have gingivitis, which affects only the gum, or periodontitis, where bone has been lost.
Cleaning or deep cleaning
Gingivitis usually needs a thorough cleaning and better home care. Periodontitis needs scaling and root planing: with the area numbed, we clean tartar from below the gum line and smooth the roots so the gum can reattach, usually one side of the mouth per visit.
Healing and review
A few weeks later we measure the gums again and check for bleeding. Most people see less bleeding and tighter gums by this point.
Maintenance visits
After gum treatment, cleanings usually move to every three to four months instead of six. This keeps bacteria from building up below the gum line again.
Gum surgery if needed
If deep pockets remain after cleaning, the next step is gum surgery to reach and clean them, done here in the office with nitrous oxide if you want it.
Cost and insurance
A gum check is part of a regular exam. Deep cleaning is billed by the time it takes and usually spreads over two or more visits. Most dental plans cover part of scaling and maintenance cleanings, often up to a yearly limit. We bill your insurance directly. You see the estimate in writing before anything starts. No insurance? We tell you the cost up front.
Questions people ask
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis usually can, with a proper cleaning and daily brushing and flossing. Periodontitis cannot be undone because lost bone does not grow back, but it can be stopped and kept stable with treatment and regular maintenance.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
We numb the area properly and stop if you need a break. Gums are often tender for a day or two afterwards, and teeth can feel sensitive to cold for a short while as the gums tighten.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding usually means the gum is inflamed by plaque sitting along the edge of the tooth. It is not a reason to stop flossing; it is a reason to have your gums checked.
Will I need to see a specialist for gum surgery?
Usually not. Dr. Malik does gum surgery himself at 5105 Hurontario and refers to a periodontist only when a case calls for it.
Related services
Book a visit
Bleeding gums are worth a look now, not next year. Book a first visit, or call us if a tooth already feels loose.